Everest cumin powder recalled by FSSAI due to pesticide contamination

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered an immediate recall of a specific batch of Everest pre-packed cumin powder after laboratory tests revealed pesticide levels exceeding permissible limits.

The affected product is identified by batch number E080668761. Testing conducted on a sample obtained from M/s Riverside Resorts and Holiday Homes Private Limited in Goa showed concentrations of the pesticides ‘Azoxystrobin’ and ‘Thiamethoxam’ that were significantly higher than the allowed thresholds.

Following the initial findings, the company appealed the results, leading to a second analysis at a referral food laboratory. The second test confirmed the presence of the contaminants, resulting in the product being declared ‘unsafe’ for human consumption. FSSAI has directed the company to withdraw the entire batch from the market and submit a comprehensive report.